Directions: |
Directions:1. Ribbon, Belt - lines, either around the egg or lengthwise means the endless line of eternity. May be straight , wavy, zigzag, single or double, either alone or incorporating other motifs.
2. Dots or Small Circles - may be large or small. These are at times scattered over the design to suggest stars or may also represent Mary's tears she shed when Pilate refused her plea for mercy for her Son.
3. Little Sieve or Net - suggests fishing for men.The netting within any form suggests Christ's net, which is to bring people to Him and His church.
4. Triangles - the triangle is widely used. This is an ancient symbol which symbolizes any trio; air, fire and water and more recently, the Holy Trinity. The Pysanka known as "The Forty Days of Lent" is divided into forty triangles, which represents the forty days and nights Jesus Christ spent fasting.
5. Ladder - prayer.
6. Rose or 6- or 8-pointed star - ancient symbols of the sun, but the 8-pointed star became the symbol of Christ in 988, when Christianity was introduced into the Ukraine.
7. Cross - of many shapes means the suffering, death and Resurrection of Christ.
8. Leaf or Flower - life, growth.
9. Pine Tree and Needles - the "pine tree" motif can be drawn in many combinations. It is sometimes placed in the form of a cross. Pine tree motifs symbolize everlasting life and youth. The tree is drawn with fine lines extending from a trunk to depict branches. Trees symbolize the "Tree of Life" or strength.
10. Fish - ancient symbol for Christ.
11. Deer, Horses - wealth and prosperity.
12. Bird - fulfilment of wishes and fertility, especially the rooster.
13. Grapevine - good fruits of the Christian life.
14. Butterfly - symbol of resurrection.
15. Circle, Poppy, Spider web - these are the sign of the sun and the
symbol of good fortune, happiness, well-being and protection from harm.
Other Motifs:
1. Ears
2. Rake
3. Rooster's Comb
4. Church
5. Ram's Horns
6. Pussy willows, wheat, oak leaves - wheat represents a bountiful harvest
7. Goose feet
8. Eyes - called "apple"
9. Wave or Saw - denotes death
10. Spoon
11. Apples
12. Tree
13. Barvinok (Periwinkle) - forms a cross
14. Spider
15. Hen's Feet
16. Wolves' Teeth
17. Fleshless Tail of Fish - denotes death |
This recipe for PYSANKY - SYMBOLS is from